Gaza is experiencing a health 'catastrophe' that will last for 'generations to come', the director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that a massive increase in aid is needed to begin to address the complex needs of the Strip's population.
Israel has allowed more medical supplies and other aid to cross into Gaza since a ceasefire with Hamas came into effect on October 10, but Dr. Tedros said levels are below those needed to rebuild the territory's healthcare system.
His intervention comes as the U.S. attempts to shore up the ceasefire it helped to broker following an outbreak of violence at the weekend.
The agreement has been described by the White House as the first phase of a 20-point peace plan that includes an increase in the amount of aid entering Gaza, and supplies distributed 'without interference' from either side.
Dr. Tedros welcomed the ceasefire deal but noted that the increase in aid has been smaller than expected.
He described the dire situation on the ground, stating that Gazans have faced famine, overwhelming injuries, a collapsed healthcare system, and outbreaks of disease fueled by destroyed infrastructure.
'On top of that, there is restricted access to humanitarian aid. This is a very fatal combination, making the situation catastrophic and beyond words.'
He emphasized that the combined effects of famine and a prevalent mental health crisis will create a long-term health crisis for future generations in Gaza.
Despite some progress in aid delivery, major aid groups indicated that far more is needed to tackle starvation. The UN's World Food Programme reported that while over 6,700 tons of food had entered since October 10, this figure is significantly below the 2,000-tonne daily target.
Dr. Tedros also called for a better allocation of aid delivery and stated that aid must not be weaponized, condemning the imposition of conditions concerning hostages.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, he urged Israel to eliminate conditions linked to aid and improve access for humanitarian workers. Thousands await medical evacuations, but flights have been stalled, aggravating the health crisis further.
Overall, the WHO chief reiterated the urgent need for peace and adequate humanitarian support to alleviate the suffering in Gaza.
